What Should I Do if a Car Accident Caused Me Nerve Damage?

Car accidents can lead to a range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. One of the most serious yet often overlooked car accident injuries is nerve damage. 

Nerve damage from a car accident can cause chronic pain, loss of sensation, or even paralysis, significantly impacting a victim’s quality of life. 

If you or a loved one has suffered nerve damage due to a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation that can cover your medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, and more. 

To get a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options, contact Morgan & Morgan, America’s largest personal injury law firm.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident

If you are involved in a car accident, take the following steps to ensure your safety and rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of whether you feel immediate pain, always seek medical attention after a car accident. Nerve damage may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can identify signs of injury through diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CT scans, or nerve conduction studies.

2. Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations

If a healthcare provider diagnoses nerve damage, follow their treatment plan closely. Treatment may include physical therapy, pain management, medications, or, in severe cases, surgery. Ignoring medical advice could worsen your condition and affect your legal claim.

3. Document Your Symptoms

Keep a journal of your symptoms, medical treatments, and how the injury affects your daily life. This documentation can serve as evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim.

4. Preserve Evidence From the Accident

Gather as much evidence as possible, including:

• Photos of the accident scene and your injuries
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Medical records and bills
• Proof of lost wages

5. Contact Morgan & Morgan

An experienced car accident lawyer can review your case for free and determine your best path forward. You may be entitled to compensation for serious injuries, but your time to file a claim is limited, so it’s important to speak to a lawyer as soon as you ensure your safety.

Common Types of Nerve Damage From Car Accidents

The human nervous system is incredibly complex, and damage to any part of it can result in severe and lasting consequences. Nerve damage occurs when nerves are stretched, compressed, or severed due to trauma. Common types of nerve injuries from car accidents include:

• Whiplash-related nerve damage: Sudden jerking movements of the neck can compress or stretch nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
• Peripheral nerve damage: Impact or crushing injuries can lead to dysfunction in the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
• Spinal cord injuries: Severe accidents can result in partial or complete paralysis due to nerve damage in the spine.
• Pinched nerves: Herniated discs or bone fractures can put pressure on nerves, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Neuropathy: Damage to the nervous system that results in burning pain, tingling, or numbness in different areas of the body.

Symptoms of Nerve Damage After a Car Accident

Nerve damage symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Some symptoms may appear immediately, while others may develop over time. Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or burning pain
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Muscle weakness or paralysis
• Loss of coordination
• Sensitivity to touch or temperature changes
• Uncontrolled muscle movements or spasms
• Radiating pain from the neck or back to extremities

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your chances of recovery and prevent long-term complications.

Is Nerve Damage Treatable?

The saddest truth about nerve damage is that although certain treatments can help reduce the symptoms, this condition cannot be cured completely. 

If you suffer nerve damage, you will likely struggle with certain bodily functions for the rest of your life, even after receiving treatment.

However, it is also important to note that in some cases, skilled doctors can perform a procedure known as nerve repair. This process involves removing a damaged nerve and replacing it with a healthy one or a replacement from another body part.

Can I Sue for Nerve Damage?

Yes, if you suffered nerve damage after a car accident, you might be able to sue for nerve damage. If you succeed, you can claim medical expenses to cover the cost of treatment. You may also claim the cost of medical equipment required to help you manage the nerve damage. Braces and wheelchairs are good examples of such equipment.

Depending on the nature of the nerve damage, you may need physical therapy and counseling, which are also compensable if you win the lawsuit.

Legal Options for Nerve Damage After a Car Accident

If another driver’s negligence caused your accident and resulting nerve damage, you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s what you need to know about your legal rights:

Determining Liability

To file a personal injury claim, you must prove that another party was responsible for the accident. Common causes of car accidents that lead to nerve damage include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Reckless driving
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield

An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence to establish fault.

Filing an Insurance Claim

Most car accident claims start with an insurance claim. You may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation costs

It’s essential to work with a lawyer when dealing with insurance companies to avoid low settlement offers.

Pursuing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If an insurance settlement does not fully cover your losses, you may need to file a lawsuit. A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover damages for:

• Ongoing medical treatments
• Permanent disability
• Emotional distress
• Loss of earning capacity

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Navigating a nerve damage injury claim can be challenging, especially when dealing with medical treatments and recovery. At Morgan & Morgan, our experienced attorneys fight for victims of car accidents, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

With decades of experience handling personal injury cases, we know how to build a strong case for maximum compensation, and we have the resources to take on large insurance companies and fight for your rights.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. The Fee Is Free®, and you don’t owe a dime until we recover compensation for you.

If you or a loved one has suffered nerve damage due to a car accident, Morgan & Morgan is here to help. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.